Tree Board

Montpelier Tree Board Minutes March 5, 2015 5:35-6:30pm Montpelier City Hall In attendance: John Snell, Jeff Schumann, John Akielaszek; volunteer Ellie Doyle and Tree Warden Geoff Beyer Old Business The February 5, 2015 meeting minutes were approved. Plan For The Nursery Jeff had previously forwarded his draft plan for the nursery (Thanks Jeff!) and we discussed what should be added to the nursery this year, how to move and plant the large trees there, to bare root or not, Spring vs Fall plantings. John S. indicated that he could probably locate two dozen locations around town as potential planting sites. John S. will contact Dave Wilcox regarding trees best to plant in Spring vs Fall. Jeff said he would research the cost of tree root bags. Ordering Trees The Branch-Out Burlington tree sale has begun. They sell 5’ high trees which the group felt would be suitable for planting in some of the locations that John S identified. The tree species to be purchased: Gingko, Crabapple, Catalpa and White Oak. The Winooski Conservation District also sells trees from 2-3 feet high. These would be suitable for planting in one row at the nursery. Geoff noted that after transplanting into the nursery these trees would be frozen in their growth for 1-2 years so they would be a good stock of trees for future plantings around the City. Species discussed were Black Cherry, Red and Sugar Maple, Sycamore, Plums, Walnut, Apple and shrubs including Witch Hazel, American Hazelnut, Purple Lilac, and High Bush Cranberry. Jeff offered to take the lead on ordering the trees for this season. Spring Pruning Workshops The pruning workshops will be held at the Hunger Mountain Co-op. John Snell will conduct the first one on March 14th from 1 pm – 3 pm and said snowshoes may be required. Geoff will conduct one later on April 12th from 1 pm – 3 pm. Greening America’s Capitals The Montpelier City Planning Department has submitted an application for a grant from the Federal Government to re-do Taylor Street. This overhaul of Taylor Street would involve pervious pavement and trees as green infrastructure for stormwater management. This would also allow for stabilizing sidewalks along this street. Personnel Geoff reported that Sophie Halpin had quit today and he won’t be able to refill her position until August. Advance Planning for 2015 Earth Day – Wednesday, April 22nd - Tree Board members and volunteers are urged to celebrate Earth Day on their own as there will not be any organized Tree Board activities. Arbor Day – Friday, April 24th - The current plan is to plant trees at the Union Street School to celebrate Arbor Day; details to be provided at the next Tree Board meeting on April 2nd. Green-Up Day – Saturday, May 2nd – The current plan is to pick up the trees purchased from Branch-Out Burlington and plant them at locations around the City. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) - We plan to meet with local arborists to discuss early detection of infestations. It was requested again that Geoff supply a list of those arborists with contact information. John S will contact the Conservation Commission to set up a meeting to discuss EAB preparedness with them. A future report to the City Council will be made after John A completes the EAB Preparedness Plan – Version 2. March Work Day(s) Geoff indicated that the apple tree at Montpelier HS needs pruning and will let us know when that will occur. John S will plan some pruning workdays near the end of March. Other Business Geoff recommended that the damaged red maple on Liberty Street be taken down and replaced by a nursery tree. John S asked Geoff to examine the large ash limb that extends over Main Street downtown; it may need pruning. Tree Inventory Elise Schadler of UVM extension and Danielle Fitzko of the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation would like to meet with the Tree Board to discuss the upcoming tree inventory and options available to the Tree Board for managing the inventory data. A subcommittee consisting of Geoff, John A., and Bob will meet with Elise and Danielle. The meeting adjourned around 6:30 p.m. Next meeting at City Hall: Thursday, April 2nd, 5:30-6:30